Wiki Category: Literature

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Hikosajima (grandson) Birth: – Death: – Toyoki no Mikoto Toyoki no Mikoto is mentioned in the nihongi as the grandfather of Hikosajima, though the lineage is not made clear.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times[...]

Onihitokuchi Onihitokuchi (鬼一口 – One Swallow of an Oni) is the act of an Oni swallowing a person whole. It is included in yōkai compendiums including the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi by Toriyama Sekien. One such tale can be found in the Tales of Ise in which the unnamed protagonist of[...]

Kidōmaru Kidōmaru (鬼童丸, 鬼同丸) is a type of yōkai, more specifically an Oni. It has been depicted by various artists, including in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi by Toriyama Sekien; though he merely calls him Kidō. Artistically in Sekien’s illustration, the scabbard is given a tiger-striped design; which coupled with the ox[...]

Ayakashi Ayakashi (あやかし) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This particular creature is portrayed by Toriyama Sekien as a sea creature with long tentacles said to dwell in the ‘Wester Sea.’ The tentacles themselves are so long they would take two to three days to slither[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Kumaso Leader Family: – Birth: – Death: – Torishikaya Torishikaya was one of the leaders of the Kumaso, leading one of the Kumaso Rebellions. Yamato Takeru is sent to deal with the threat, bringing several men with him. When he arrives, he disguises himself as a[...]

Azuma Kagami The Azuma Kagami (吾妻鏡/東鑑 – Mirror of Eastern Japan) is a very important literary account of the Kamakura Shogunate written in an awkward form of Chinese aside from a few letters and documents. Authorship for the book is believed to have been unknown shogunate scribes from the time.[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Wohidari Wohidari is a man seen during the reign of Emperor Keikō in the nihongi. He is said to be the ancestor of the Yama no Ahiko. The Emperor is said to have arrived in the area of Ashikata,[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Kumatsuhiko the Younger (brother) Birth: – Death: – Kumatsuhiko the Elder Kumatsuhiko the Elder is a man seen during the reign of Emperor Keikō in the nihongi. He is presumably the brother of Kumatsuhiko the Younger and the two of them are requested by[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Kumatsuhiko the Elder (brother) Birth: – Death: – Kumatsuhiko the Younger Kumatsuhiko the Younger is a man seen during the reign of Emperor Keikō in the nihongi. He is presumably the brother of Kumatsuhiko the Elder and the two of them are requested by[...]

Gangikozō Gangikozō (岸涯小僧 – River Terrace Boy) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to catch fish by the river side. Eating them with teeth as sharp as rasps. A lot of wordplay is used in the name of this creature. gangi-yasuri is[...]

Kosamebō Kosamebō (小雨坊 – Drizzle Monk) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to live on Mount Ōmine and Mount Katsuragi and can be found begging for alms on nights with gentle rain.1 External Links View the book online here: Konjaku Hyakki Shūi Online.[...]

Ameonna Ameonna (雨女 – Rain Woman) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. Toriyama Sekien alludes in his portrayal of this woman that she is some form of rain spirit with the description alongside the creature stating: ‘I shall appear as a cloud to you in the[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Minister? Family: Hinamori the Younger (brother) Birth: – Death: – Hinamori the Elder Hinamori the Elder is a man seen during the reign of Emperor Keikō in the nihongi. In the 18th year of his reign, during his time touring around Tsukushi, the Emperor sees a[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Minister? Family: Hinamori the Elder (brother) Birth: – Death: – Hinamori the Younger Hinamori the Younger is a man seen during the reign of Emperor Keikō in the nihongi. In the 18th year of his reign, during his time touring around Tsukushi, the Emperor sees a[...]

This page serves as a list of all the songs and poems of Emperor Keikō. Poems and Songs of Emperor Keikō Missing the Capital The nihongi records that in his 17th year of reign he vsited the Koyu District in Hyuga visiting the moors of Nimo there. Missing the capital[...]

Otogi Bōko The Otogi Bōko (御伽ばうこ – Hand Puppet Tales1) was a piece of kana-zōshi literature published in 1666 by Asai Ryōi. The book consists of 68 tales of which 21 were adapted from the Chinese novel, Jiangdeng xinhua.2 The books contains the first reference to the yōkai known as[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Kagurohime (mother) Birth: – Death: – Ohoyenomiko Ohoyenomiko (大江王) was the son of Emperor Keikō and Kagurohime. The kojiki says his mother was the daughter of Sumeiroohonakatsuhiko, who was the great-grandson of Yamato Takeru. This would have to be an error in[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Emperor Keikō (husband/great-great-grandfather?) Ohoyeonomiko (son) Sumeiroohonakatsuhiko (father) Birth: – Death: – Hikohitonoohoye Kagurohime (迦具漏比売) was one of several concubines of Emperor Keikō and together they had a son called Ohoyenomiko. The kojiki says she was the daughter of Sumeiroohonakatsuhiko who was the great-grandson of[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Unknown mother Birth: – Death: – Wakakinoiribiko Wakakinoiribiko (若木之入日子王) is mentioned in the kojiki as the son of Emperor Keikō with an unnamed concubine.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York:[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Emperor Keikō (husband) Kunisewake (son) Toyotowake (son) Kunichiwake (son) Birth: – Death: – Sonotakebime Sonotakebime (襲武媛) was one of the several wives of Emperor Keikō. Together they had three sons by the name of Kunisewake, Toyotowake and Kunichiwake according to the nihongi.1 The kojiki list another[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Yasakairihime (mother) Emperor Seimu (brother) Ihokiirihiko (brother) Wakayamatoneko (brother) Isakinoirihiko (brother) Ōsuwake (brother) Nunoshi no Iratsume (sister) Ihokiirihime (sister) Oshiwake (brother) Kagoyorihime (sister) Kibinoehiko (brother) Takakinoirihime (sister) Otohime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Nunaki no Iratsume Nunaki no Iratsume was the daughter of Emperor[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Yasakairihime (mother) Emperor Seimu (brother) Ihokiirihiko (brother) Wakayamatoneko (brother) Isakinoirihiko (brother) Ōsuwake (brother) Nunaki no Iratsume (sister) Ihokiirihime (sister) Oshiwake (brother) Kagoyorihime (sister) Kibinoehiko (brother) Takakinoirihime (sister) Otohime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Nunoshi no Iratsume Nunoshi no Iratsume (渟熨斗皇女) was the daughter[...]

Aoandō Aoandō (青行燈 – The Blue Lantern) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to appear when the shadows flare as the last candle goes out and the room becomes plunged into darkness. Toriyama Sekien in his depiction of the creature mentions[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Yasakairihime (mother) Emperor Seimu (brother) Ihokiirihiko (brother) Isakinoirihiko (brother) Ōsuwake (brother) Nunoshi no Iratsume (sister) Nunaki no Iratsume (sister) Ihokiirihime (sister) Oshiwake (brother) Kagoyorihime (sister) Kibinoehiko (brother) Takakinoirihime (sister) Otohime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Wakayamatoneko Wakayamatoneko (稚倭根子皇子) was the son of Emperor Keikō[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Yasakairihime (mother) Emperor Seimu (brother) Ihokiirihiko (brother) Wakayamatoneko (brother) Ōsuwake (brother) Nunoshi no Iratsume (sister) Nunaki no Iratsume (sister) Ihokiirihime (sister) Oshiwake (brother) Isakinoirihiko (brother) Kagoyorihime (sister) Takakinoirihime (sister) Otohime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Kibinoehiko Kibinoehiko (吉備兄彦皇子) was the son of Emperor Keikō[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Yasakairihime (mother) Emperor Seimu (brother) Ihokiirihiko (brother) Wakayamatoneko (brother) Ōsuwake (brother) Nunoshi no Iratsume (sister) Nunaki no Iratsume (sister) Ihokiirihime (sister) Oshiwake (brother) Isakinoirihiko (brother) Kibinoehiko (brother) Takakinoirihime (sister) Otohime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Kagoyorihime Kagoyorihime (香依姫皇女) was the daughter of Emperor[...]

Minobi Minobi (蓑火 – Raincoat Fire) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi, also known as mino-mushi. This was a phenomenon in folklore which stated mino raincoats would at times spark during the rain. The only way to stop this was to remove the mino, but[...]

Kazenbō Kazenbō (火前坊 – Bonze Before the Fire) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to rise form the bones of those interred on Mount Toribe when smoke rises over the mountain. This site was also the area where Buddhist monks practised[...]

Oboro-guruma Oboro-guruma (朧車 – Gloom Cart) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. It is depicted as a travelling cart with a giant face. In essence it is not truly a creature, but a manefestation of the grudges of those who would try to find the best[...]

Momiji-gari Momiji-gari (紅葉狩 – Momiji Hunting) is a depiction of a woman with a connection to a particular demoness in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. In this depiction she is shown in a mountain, holding a long-handled sake pot. This particular creature relates to the Demoness known as Kijo (a possible[...]

Meigetsuki The Meigetsuki (明月記), also known as the Shōkōki, was the diary of Fujiwara no Teika. Written in Chinese (kambun) there are many copies which have survived to this day with different variations to them. The diary itself covers the years 1180-1235. In the text, much discussion is given to[...]

Gosen Wakashū The Gosen Wakashū (後撰和歌集, Later Collection of Japanese Poems), often abbreviated to the Gosenshū, was a Japanese compendium of poetry and the second of the official Imperial Anthologies. Creation The anthology was created under the orders of Emperor Murakami (r.946-967) and though the completion date is unsure it[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Tsuchiworiwiwori Tsuchiworiwiwori was a part of the Kumaso Clan residing on the island of Tsukushi mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. When the Emperor comes to Tsukushi to defeat the rebelling Kumaso, a chieftain by[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Mimitari Mimitari was a part of the Kumaso Clan residing on the island of Tsukushi mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. When the Emperor comes to Tsukushi to defeat the rebelling Kumaso, a chieftain by[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Hanatari Hanatari was a part of the Kumaso Clan residing on the island of Tsukushi mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. When the Emperor comes to Tsukushi to defeat the rebelling Kumaso, a chieftain by[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Asahagi Asahagi was a part of the Kumaso Clan residing on the island of Tsukushi mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. When the Emperor comes to Tsukushi to defeat the rebelling Kumaso, a chieftain by[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Kunimaro Kunimaro was a member of the Kumaso Clan/Tsuchigumo which dwelt on the island of Tsukushi and we see him mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. A female Chieftain called Hayatsuhime reveals to the Emperor that[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Yata Yata was a member of the Kumaso Clan/Tsuchigumo which dwelt on the island of Tsukushi and we see him mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. A female Chieftain called Hayatsuhime reveals to the Emperor that[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Uchizaru Uchizaru was a member of the Kumaso Clan/Tsuchigumo which dwelt on the island of Tsukushi and we see him mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. A female Chieftain called Hayatsuhime reveals to the Emperor[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Shira Shira was a member of the Kumaso Clan/Tsuchigumo which dwelt on the island of Tsukushi and we see him mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. A female Chieftain called Hayatsuhime reveals to the Emperor[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Awo Awo was a member of the Kumaso Clan/Tsuchigumo which dwelt on the island of Tsukushi and we see him mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. A female Chieftain called Hayatsuhime reveals to the Emperor[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Chieftain Family: – Birth: – Death: – Hayatsuhime Hayatsuhime was a part of the Kumaso Clan residing on the island of Tsukushi mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. She reveals that there are Tsuchigumo by the names of Awo and Shira living[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Kagehime (wife) Takeuchi no Sukune (son) Birth: – Death: – Yanushioshihodakewogoro Yanushioshihodakewogoro (屋主忍男武雄心命) is mentioned during the reign of Emperor Keikō. A divination was made to see if the Emperor should go to Kii to make sacrifice to all the kami. After an unlucky[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Harima no Inabi no Ōiratsume (mother) Yamato Takeru (brother) Wakayamatoneko (brother) Kushitsunuwake (brother) Kamukushi (brother) Birth: – Death: – Ōsu Ōsu (大碓皇子) was the son of Emperor Keikō and Harima no Inabi no Ōiratsume. He was the twin of Yamato Takeru having[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Empress Family: Emperor Keikō (husband) Ōsu (son) Yamato Takeru (son) Wakayamatoneko (son) Kushitsunuwake (son) Kamukushi (son) Inabi no waka Iratsume (sister) Birth: – Death: – Harima no Inabi no Ōiratsume Harima no Inabi no Ōiratsume (播磨稲日大郎姫) was the Empress of Emperor Keikō and together they had several[...]

Co-ordinates: 34°27′18″N 136°43′33″E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Mie Prefecture Founded: 4BCE Affiliation: Shinto Ise Grand Shrine The Ise Grand Shrine (伊勢神宮) is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to Amaterasu, located in Mie Prefecture. It is supposedly the resting place of the Sacred Mirror and was established by Yamatohime. Mythological Origins During[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Sonotakebime (mother) Kunichiwake (brother) Kunisewake (brother) Birth: – Death: – Toyotowake Toyotowake (豊戸別皇子) was the son of Emperor Keikō and Sonotakebime according to the nihongi.1 The kojiki states that he was the son of Keikō and ‘another concubine.’2 He is stated[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Amenohihoko (husband) Tajima Mori (son) Kiyohiko (great-grandson) Birth: – Death: – Mata no wo Mata no wo is stated in the nihongi to have been the wife of Amenohihoko and together they had a son by the name of Tajima Mori. The nihongi also states[...]

The Stone of the Five Colours and the Empress Jokwa The Stone of the Five Colours and the Empress Jokwa is one of Japanese many folktales. Synopsis Empress Jokwa suceeds her brother Emperor Fuki, and stories about her said she once fixed the broken sky and the pillars which hold up[...]

Longevity Longevity (Chosei Furo – 長生不老) is one of many Japanese folktales, this one centered around a man known as Sentarō. Synopsis This tale has also been given the name of The Man who did not wish to die and goes as follow. There was a man called Sentarō and[...]

How an Old Man Lost his Wen How an Old Man Lost his Wen, known in Japanese as Kobutori Jiisan (こぶ取り爺) is one of many Japanese folktales. Synopsis There was an old man who had a lump (wen) growing out of his cheek and after seeking out many doctors and medicine none[...]

The Monkey and the Crab The Monkey and the Crab (さるかに合戦 saru kani gassen) is one of many Japanese folktales. Synopsis One day a monkey and a crab were playing on the beach. The crab found a rice-dumpling and the monkey a persimmon-seed. The monkey did not want the seed, but[...]

The Clever Boar and Monkey The Clever Boar and Monkey (賢い猿と猪) is one of Japan’s many folktales. Synopsis In the province in Shinshin there was a man who travelled around making a living by taking a monkey and around and making it do tricks. One day he returns home angry, saying[...]

The Oni of Adachigahara The Oni of Adachigahara is one of many Japanese folktales, this one centering around an evil oni. Synopsis In Mutsu there was said to be oni who took the form of an old woman. People would go missing in the area and it was thought she was[...]

The Mirror of Matsuyama The Mirror of Matsuyama, known in Japanese as Matsuyama kagami (松山鏡) is one of Japan’s many folktales. Synopsis In the province of Echigo lived a man and a wife who had one daughter aged seven. One day the man finds himself summoned to the capital in Kyoto,[...]

The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, in Japanese known as the Taketori Monogatari (竹取物語) is one of the famous folktales from Japan. Synopsis There was an old man and woman who had no child. He would go every day and cut bamboo and made[...]

Kintarō Kintarō (金太郎) is a Japanese folktale centered around the life of a boy with the same name as the story. There are several versions of this tale and as we come across more of them we will add them to the website. Synopsis There was a man called Kintoki who[...]

Hanasaka Jiji Hanasaka Jiji (花咲か爺) also called Hanasaka Jiisan (花咲か爺さん) is a folktale of Japan centred around a man who can make trees bloom. It has been translated into english as ‘The Story of the Old Man who made Withered Trees to Flower.’ There are many verisons of the tale (and[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Tajima Mori Tajima Mori (田道間守) is a man seen during the reign of Emperor Suinin, and is said to be the ancestor of the Miyake no muraji.12 He is stated in the nihongi as being the son of Amenohihoko[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: ōkannushi Family: – Birth: – Death: – Ōhatanushi Ōhatanushi is seen mentioned within the Jinnō Shōtōki where it states he was made the first Head Priest (ōkannushi) of the Ise Grand Shrine.1 Footnotes 1. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Sarudabiko (ancestor) Birth: – Death: – Otanomikoto Otanomikoto also known as Okitama was a man mentioned within the Jinnō Shōtōki. He is said to have been a descendant of Sarudabiko and met with Yamatohime. During the establishment of the area to be used for the[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess / Established the Ise Shrine Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Hibasuhime (mother) Emperor Keikō (brother) Inishikinoiribiko (brother) Ohonakatsuhiko (brother) Wakakiiribiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Yamatohime Yamatohime (倭比売命 / 倭姫命) was the daughter of Emperor Suinin and Hibasuhime and is creditted with the establishment of the Ise Grand Shrine.1[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Five Daibu / saishu Family: – Birth: – Death: – Ohokashima Ohokashima is a mentioned during the reign of Emperor Suinin. He is said to have been one of the Five Daibu alongside Hikokunifuku, Takehi no Muraji, Tochine no Ōmuraji and Takenumakahawake. They are gathered by[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: General Family: – Birth: – Death: – Yatsunada Yatsunada was a general of Emperor Suinin and is seen mentioned in the nihongi. In the fifth year of the Emperors reign, Sahobiko, brother to the Emperors wife Sahobime approached his sister asking who is most dearest to[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Mata no wo (wife) Tajima Mori (son) Kiyohiko (great-grandson) Birth: – Death: – Amenohihoko Amenohihoko/Amanohihoko (天之日矛) was a prince from Silla who visit Japan during the 3rd year of Emperor Suinin’s reign, it is said he decided to dwell in the land of Tajima[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Suinin (husband) Ikobayawake (son) Azamitsuhime (daughter) Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother?) Hibasuhime (sister) Mikadawake (brother) Otohime (sister) Matonuhime (sister) Nubatanoiribika (sister) Takanohime (sister) Utakorihime (sister) Yehime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Azaminoiribime Azaminoiribime (薊瓊入媛) was the daughter[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Suinin (husband) Nutarashiwake (daughter) Igatarashihiko (son) Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother?) Hibasuhime (sister) Mikadawake (brother) Otohime (sister) Matonuhime (sister) Azaminoiribime (sister) Takanohime (sister) Utakorihime (sister) Yehime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Nubatanoiribika Nubatanoiribika (渟葉田瓊入媛) was the daughter[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother?) Hibasuhime (sister) Mikadawake (brother) Matonuhime (sister) Nubatanoiribika (sister) Azaminoiribime (sister) Takanohime (sister) Yehime (sister) Otohime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Utakorihime Utakorihime (歌凝比売命) was the daughter of Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi.12 She[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother?) Hibasuhime (sister) Mikadawake (brother) Matonuhime (sister) Nubatanoiribika (sister) Azaminoiribime (sister) Takanohime (sister) Utakorihime (sister) Otohime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Yehime Yehime (媛) was the daughter of Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi. She[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Kaguyahime (mother) Birth: – Death: – Wozabe Wozabe (袁那弁王) was the son of Emperor Suinin and Kaguyahime. This is related in the kojiki.12 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.[...]

For the woman from folklore see: Kaguya Hime. Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Wife Family: Emperor Suinin (husband) Wozabe (son) Ohotsutsukitarine (father) Birth: – Death: – Kaguyahime Kaguyahime (迦具夜比売命) was the wife of Emperor Suinin and together the had a son by the name of Wozabe. This is seen in the kojiki. She[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Azamitsuhime (wife) Birth: – Death: – Inasebiko Inasebiko (?) is said to have been the husband of Azamitsuhime according to the kojiki.12 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press. 2. Chamberlain, B.[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Yamanobe no Ohotaka Yamanobe no Ohotaka is a man seen in the kojiki during the exploits to try and get Prince Homutsuwake to speak. Though the prince had grown into a man he still could not speak, however, one[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Sahobime (mother) Hinagahime (wife) Birth: – Death: – Homutsuwake Homutsuwake (誉津別命) was the son of Emperor Suinin and Sahobime.123 Birth Nihongi Version Homutsuwake was born prior to the assassination attempt on his father’s life by his mother. His mother, mourning that[...]

Enenra Enenra (烟々羅 – Smokenet) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature was the smoke cast from fire to repel mosquitos away from the house of a poor man. The ‘En’ uses the kanji for smoke, with ‘Ra’ using the an archaic term for[...]

Kerakeraonna Kerakeraonna (倩兮女 – Cackling Woman) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. She is depicted as some kind of giantess who is seen cackling over a wall. It appears that Sekien has merged two concepts together in the portrayal of this creature. A huge character[...]

Kageonna Kageonna (影女 – Shadow Woman) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This particular creature is the shadow of a woman which is cast on the shoji doors in haunted houses.1 External Links View the book online here: Konjaku Hyakki Shūi Online. Footnotes 1. Yoda,[...]

Jakotsubaba Jakotsubaba (蛇骨婆 – Snakebone Hag) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. The story concerning this creature related by Toriyama Sekien says that perhaps it comes from northern China as there are people there who bear a blue snake in their right hand and a[...]

Oshiroibaba Oshiroibaba (白粉婆 – Face Powder Hag) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to be the handmaiden of the kami for beni and oshiroi (lipstick and facepowder) by the name of Jifun-senjō. In his depiction of this creature Sekien partly quotes[...]

Kokuribaba Kokuribaba (古庫裏婆 – Hag in the House) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to have been the wife of a head priest from several generations ago. Now she spends her time stealing the money and offerings made to the temple and[...]

Dorotabō Dorotabō (泥田坊 – Mudman) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is described as a dark figure with three fingers (like an Oni) and only one eye who resides in one particular rice paddy. He is also heard to say the phrase “ta kaese![...]

Tōdaiki Tōdaiki (灯台鬼 – Candle Stick Demon) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This tale can be found in the Wakan Sansai Zue. This creature was made after Minister Karu (軽大臣) was sent to China as an envoy. Once he was there he was poisoned by[...]

Dōjōji no kane Dōjōji no kane (道成寺鐘 – The Bell of Dōjōji) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. The story behind this creature relates to the priest Anchin and his love Kiyohime. Kiyohime was the daughter of a wealthy merchant family and that her and[...]

Tengu tsubute Tengu tsubute (天狗礫 – Tengu Gravel) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. Sekien states that ‘when the wind blows through mountains and valleys the valleys respond by loosing boulders.’1 External Links View the book online here: Konjaku Hyakki Shūi Online. Footnotes 1. Yoda, H.[...]

Hōkō Hōkō (彭侯 – Penghou) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is the spirit of a 1000 year old tree said to take the form of a black dog with no tail. Sekien in his information here is quoting a 4th century Chinese[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet, Caligrapher Family: Fujiwara no Tadanori (father) Birth: 1109AD Death: 1177AD Fujiwara no Norinaga Fujiwara no Norinaga (藤原 教長) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch, living from 1109-1077AD. He was the son of Fujiwara no Tadanori and during his lifetime[...]

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Fujiwara no Nobunari (father) Birth: c.1130 Death:  c.1200 Inpumon’in no Tayū Inpumon’in no Tayū (殷富門院大輔) was a Japanese poet and daughter to Fujiwara no Nobunari who lived from c.1130-c.1200. During her lifetime she served Princess Ryoshi. She was held in[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Birth: 1090AD Death:  c.1179AD Priest Dōin Priest Dōin (道因), also known as Fujiwara no Atsuyori, was a japanese poet who lived from 1090-c.1179AD. He was known for being mean. In addition to being a poet he also reached the fifth court rank and[...]

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Minister of the Left / Waka Poet Family: Fujiwara no Shunzei (uncle) Birth: 1139AD Death: 1191AD Fujiwara no Sanesada Fujiwara no Sanesada (藤原 実定) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan. Living from 1139-1191AD he was the nephew of Fujiwara no Shunzei. His career was[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet Family: Fujiwara no Korechika (father) Birth: 992AD Death: 1054AD   Fujiwara no Michimasa Fujiwara no Michimasa (藤原 道雅) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch, living from 992-1054AD. He was the son of Fujiwara no Korechika and acted as Master of[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet Family: Fujiwara no Michitaka (husband) Fujiwara no Teishi (daughter) Fujiwara no Korechika (son) Birth: – Death: 996AD Takashina no Takako Takashina no Takako (高階 貴子) was a Japanese poet who died in 996AD. She was the wife of Fujiwara no Michitaka and mother to several children[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Commander of the Imperial Guard Family: Fujiwara no Tamemitsu (father) Fujiwara no Kaneie (adopted by) Fujiwara no Tadanobu (brother) Fujiwara no Kiminobu (brother) Fujiwara no Teishi (sister) Birth: 972AD Death: 994AD Fujiwara no Michinobu Fujiwara no Michinobu (藤原 道信) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan,[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: – Family: Lady Ukon (daughter? sister?) Birth: – Death: – Fujiwara no Suenawa Fujiwara no Suenawa was a member of the Fujiwara Clan. He was either the father or older brother of Lady Ukon. In the no longer extant Katano no Shosho it says that he[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet / Lady-in-waiting Family: Fujiwara no Suenawa (father? brother?) Birth: fl.10th century Death: – Lady Ukon Lady Ukon (右近) was the daughter or younger sister of Fujiwara no Suenawa who flourished during the 10th century. During her life she was a poet and lady-in-waiting to Fujiwara[...]

See also: Provinces Izumi Province Ise Province (伊勢国) was one of the many provinces in Japan. Legendary Period During the reign of Emperor Suinin his daughter Yamatohime is entrusted with the care of Amaterasu. She goes searching for a place to enshrine Amaterasu travelling through Sasahata in Uda, then Mino[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: – Family: Fujiwara no Tsugukage (father) Nakatsukasa (daughter) Birth: c.875AD Death: c.938AD Lady Ise Lady Ise (伊勢) was the daughter of Fujiwara no Tsugukage, and therefore a member of the Fujiwara Clan. She was also the mother to Nakatsukasa. She is thought to have lived from[...]

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Sesshō, Sadaijin, Chancellor, Bureau of Poetry Family: Kujō Kanezane (father) Kujō Michiie (son) Kujō Noriie (son) Kujō Motoie (son) Kujō Risshi (daughter) Kujō Yoshisuke (brother) Kujō Yoshitsune (brother) Kujō Yoshihira (brother) Kujō Ninshi (sister) Birth: 1169AD Death: 1206AD Kujō Yoshitsune Kujō Yoshitsune (九条 良経) (Fujiwara[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Udajin Family: Fujiwara no Naritoshi (father) Fujiwara no Saneyori (grandfather) Birth: 957AD Death: 1046AD Fujiwara no Sanesuke Fujiwara no Sanesuke (藤原 実資) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch, living from 957-1046AD. He was the son of Fujiwara no Naritoshi but was later[...]

For the member of the Imperial Family see: Irine For the ancestor of the Haji Clan see: Iirine Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Izumo Furune (brother) Umashikarahisa (brother) Birth: – Death: – Ihiirine Ihiirine (飯入根) was the brother of Izumo Furune and Umashikarahisa. He gives over some sacred treasures[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Ihiirine (brother) Umashikarahisa (brother) Birth: – Death: – Izumo Furune Izumo Furune (出雲振根) was a man who resided over the Izumo Shrine, and the Sacred Treasures there that had once been brought to earth by the kami Takehiratori. He is said to have been[...]